Human Resources Advisor Senior - Employee Relations

Job Description:

Human Resources Advisor Senior - Employee Relations

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Human Resources Advisor Senior

Purpose:

Under limited direction, provides management and employee groups advanced journey-level professional human resources (HR) support on a broad range of HR issues and decisions, primarily in matters that require independent discretion. Responsible for the implementation of services and programs in one or more areas of HR.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Collaborates and serves as strategic partner with senior leaders and management on HR programmatic analysis, implementation, and administration providing operational oversight, advice, and analytical support.
  
• Manages and resolves complex HR-related issues and provides solutions to programs and processes, monitoring implementation of agreed upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
  
• Advises and influences management in making sound HR-related decisions.
  
• Serves as subject matter expert in providing advice and counsel to management and employee groups on a broad range of HR issues and with applicable regulations, programs, policies, and procedures.
  
• Interprets and provides guidance on, and interpretation of, applicable systems, policies, procedures, strategies, process work flows, and regulations; and monitors compliance with policies, regulations, laws, and program objectives.
  
• Identifies, analyzes, and recommends solutions for various HR problems using morale indicators and other personnel measurements, such as, but not limited to, surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents recommendations for corrective action programs when needed.
  
• Provides training to managers and supervisors on HR topics and procedures.
  
• Researches, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data and information; monitors program trends; reviews and performs quality checks of program-related data; and develops and maintains management reporting to support decision making and policy development.
  
• Monitors and maintains system data, files, records, and reporting; transmits program data files to vendors; and develops, monitors, and implements information tracking systems.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge and practices of HR program administration and management.
  
• Knowledge of practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others.
  
• Knowledge of principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
  
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
  
• Skill in overseeing the maintenance of HR program/process documentation, data, schedules, records, and files.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to coordinate deadlines, prioritize work demands and assign/monitor work performed.
  
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to train others.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in assigned specialized HR areas.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field, plus four (4) years of HR experience.
  
• One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience gathering, analyzing, and interpreting key statistics, with the ability to translate the raw data into usable information/metrics for the organization, and the ability to recommend modifications to ensure compliance with company objectives while applying industry best practices.
  
• Experience interviewing personnel/facilitating working groups to document current business practices, weaknesses, and objectives.
  
• Experience in employee complaint resolution and in conducting workplace investigations regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, employee conduct, and/or retaliation.
  
• Experience with the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) manuals.
  
• Experience in conflict resolution strategies, including de-escalation, facilitating crucial conversations, mediation, and/or alternative dispute resolution.
  
• Employee Relations experience to include working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure fair and consistent interpretation and application of policy and procedure, advising management on such federal laws as FMLA, ADA, Title VII, ADEA, USERRA, and FLSA, and overseeing workplace investigations regarding discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual harassment.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin with over 530 employees. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, household hazardous waste and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, offer Austin and Travis County residents a service to recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at AustinRecycles.com .

ARR is seeking to fill a Human Resources Advisor Senior position. This position conducts Employee Relations investigations, including preparation of notices of disciplinary actions, administrative inquiries on issues related to customer service/employee complaints. Additionally, this position ensures investigation reports and disciplinary actions are accurate, supported by documentation, and in compliance with City policy and ARR procedures.

This position conducts ER training, develops standard operating procedures, coordinates, and manages the department’ data entry on the

City’s AIM On Target system, secures documentation needed by the City Attorney, develops and implements strategies, and leads process

improvement teams to prevent and/or resolve employee disputes.

This position also coordinates and prepares for administrative hearings, represents the department in administrative meetings with union representatives, handles complaints from the City auditor’s office, responds to open records requests, conducts MCS pre-disciplinary meetings, and attends meetings concerning unemployment compensation claims filed with the Texas Workforce Commission.

Pay Range: $68,660 - $85,830.00 per year. Your detailed and complete employment application will be used to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for this position.

Days & Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Employees may be required to work some early mornings, after hours, weekends, and special events due to business needs.

Address: 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754

Application: Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position, shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview. Your detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

Resume/Cover Letter: Please upload your resume and cover letter along with your completed application. Your application should reflect your complete employment history (to include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”).

References and Employment Verification: Please include in your cover letter three professional references, with one being your current or most recent supervisor.

Virtual Interviews: Austin Resource Recovery may conduct virtual interviews.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above.

Nepotism Policy: The City of Austin Nepotism Policy states, “No person, regardless of job title or length of tenure with the City, shall be employed in a position in which the relative has direct or indirect supervisory authority regarding the terms and conditions of their relative’s employment.”

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Benefits: Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Learn more about City of Austin benefits .

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. This is a federal program designed to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans upon meeting program requirements.

Military/Veteran: Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite - including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Essential/Critical Employee Designation: Some positions are designated as critical or essential. Employees in these roles are required to report to work during emergencies or when operations are modified. This may include working from a designated site or an alternative work location.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-05